Illinois is the 13th-best state for a summer road trip, according to a new WalletHub study comparing all 50 U.S. states across 32 key metrics. The analysis considered factors ranging from the number of attractions to road quality to costs.
Nearly 72% of American adults are planning some kind of road trip this year, with more than one-third expected to take more than one trip. However, choosing the right destination and staying within budget can be challenging. The national average for gas prices is still above $4.00 per gallon, and that's far from the only cost travelers have to consider.
“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations still impacted by inflation, you'll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the way. The best states for summer road trips keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”
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In-Depth Look at Illinois
Illinois displays some strengths for summer road trippers, including the fact that it ties for the lowest increase in vehicle travel over the past 25 years, which helps preserve road conditions and minimize congestion. It also ranks fourth for nightlife options and fifth for restaurants and hotels per capita, as well as sixth for the total number of attractions.
However, Illinois has room for improvement in other areas. For example, the state ranks last in the country for both the size of its national parkland and national park visitors per capita, reflecting a lack of federally protected natural spaces. In addition, it has the seventh-highest gas prices and ranks last for vacation rentals per capita.
How Illinois Ranks in Key Categories
- 36th for costs
- 22nd for safety
- 18th for activities
This puts Illinois in 13th place out of the 50 states in WalletHub's study.
Best Summer Road-Trip Destinations
Overall Rank | State | Total Score | Costs Rank | Safety Rank | Activities Rank |
1 | Minnesota | 61.11 | 16 | 3 | 20 |
2 | Utah | 60.15 | 34 | 6 | 8 |
3 | Louisiana | 60.03 | 1 | 42 | 10 |
4 | New York | 58.88 | 42 | 13 | 3 |
5 | Florida | 58.55 | 21 | 49 | 2 |
6 | Texas | 58.18 | 15 | 39 | 5 |
7 | Maine | 58.15 | 29 | 1 | 32 |
8 | Georgia | 57.8 | 2 | 32 | 25 |
9 | North Carolina | 57.79 | 17 | 35 | 6 |
10 | Ohio | 57.23 | 24 | 25 | 14 |
The methodology can be found on the full version of the article on WalletHub.
